Ben Taylor’s “Bittersweet Beautiful” Named July “Best Song Of The Month”

Ben Taylor, a talented, modern rock singer/songwriter based in Byron Bay, Australia, has won the SongwriterUniverse ‘Best Song Of The Month’ Contest for July, for his song ‘Bittersweet Beautiful.’ This song was co-written by Trey Vittetoe of Los Angeles (who is signed with Rondor Publishing). This song is included on Taylor’s self-released demo EP Fly On The Wall, and will also be featured on his upcoming album (which will be released later this year).

‘Bittersweet Beautiful’ is a dynamic, modern rock/pop song, which is a bit reminiscent of both U2 and the Smashing Pumpkins. It has a powerful, high energy groove, which propels the song from beginning to end. The recording features a clear, assertive vocal performance by Taylor, plus first-rate production values and musicianship. This demo was a long-distance collaboration between Taylor and Trey Vittetoe. Originally, Vittetoe sent the track to Taylor, and then Taylor worked on the melody and lyrics.

Taylor was born in London, UK, but moved with his parents to Australia when he was 3. He started playing piano when he was just 5, and later learned how to play guitar. He also became interested in songwriting at a young age. ‘I was always better at creating my own melodies than playing set phrases,’ recalled Taylor. ‘Then in my teen years, I started writing lyrics also.’ For college, Taylor attended Southern Cross University in eastern Australia, where in 2003 he graduated with a B.A. in Contemporary Music, majoring in vocals. Also throughout his college years, Taylor played in several bands, and toured Japan twice.

It was in 2004 that Taylor started focusing on his career as a singer/songwriter. He began looking for music collaborators on the internet, and found a message posted by Vittetoe. ‘I contacted Trey (Vittetoe) and we liked each other’s music, so we started co-writing,’ said Taylor. ‘Our songs have been turning out very well, so we’re definitely going to keep writing together.’ Taylor has also hooked up with Sydney-based producer Craig Portelis, who mixed ‘Bittersweet Beautiful’ and other cuts by Taylor.

Taylor explained the lyric story of ‘Bittersweet Beautiful.’ “I spun a story around a girl living in denial about her desire to have someone in her life, with a pretense of harsh coldness towards a male companion (the line ‘she’s better off alone’). But she ultimately has to cave in and admit her feelings and soften towards them, so she’s’bittersweet beautiful.’

Currently, Taylor is looking forward to recording more songs with Craig Portelis, and then finishing his album. Ultimately, he will be shopping for label/publishing and distribution interest on an international level. ‘Once I get the next recordings done, I will be looking to push the project live here (with his new band) in Australia, and just keep on keepin’ on. We’ll see what comes over the horizon!’